Your Ultimate Guide to Graduate Applications

First up – congratulations!

You’ve made it to your final year of studies – and that’s a massive achievement.

Right now, you’re juggling uni workloads, clinical placements, and graduate applications - and it can feel overwhelming at times.

Take a deep breath — you're not alone, and you're doing an incredible job!

I’ve been in your shoes — and now, as a Clinical Nurse Educator, I get to walk alongside students just like you as they navigate this busy (but exciting!) transition from student to graduate nurse or midwife.

So, in this blog post, let’s break down everything you need to know about applying for graduate nursing and midwifery positions in Victoria, including the GNMP Match via PMCV, so you can feel prepped and empowered.

But firstly, an important note - For the most up-to-date and current information on the GNMP Match via PMCV, make sure you refer to the official GNMP PMCV 2025/2026 Candidate Handbook and visit their website directly!

Know Your Options

The good news?

There are so many exciting grad opportunities out there! You can apply to public and private hospitals, as well as explore roles in metro, rural, regional, acute, subacute, and aged care settings.

Some hospitals offer general streams (perfect if you want variety), while others offer specialty streams for areas like ED, Mental Health, or Theatre if you already have a passion.

Finding all these opportunities can be a bit of a mission (we know endless Google searches can get tedious). That’s why Nursify has smart filters to help you narrow down your search by qualification, stream, and location — saving you time and stress!

The not-so-good news?

Grad programs are competitive. So it’s important to understand how the system works and tailor your applications carefully to give yourself the best chance of success.

GNMP Match or Not? (And Why It Matters)

Here’s the key thing: Not all hospitals in Victoria use the GNMP Match system (PMCV).

Public hospitals use the PMCV Match.
Only two private hospitals participate in the PMCV match.
Many private hospitals and aged care services recruit outside the PMCV system and run their own application processes.

So, do your research, and make sure you explore all available opportunities to enhance your chances of placement.

Good news for you is Nursify will help you view all these opportunities in one place!

What is the GNMP Match?

The GNMP Match is a system that helps final-year nursing and midwifery students (like you!) get matched to graduate year positions in public and two private hospitals across Victoria. It’s run by PMCV – the Postgraduate Medical Council of Victoria – on behalf of the Department of Health.

It’s for students completing a Bachelor or Master of Nursing and/or Midwifery in 2025, looking to start their grad year between Jan–Sept 2026. The Match is held once a year and aims to fill all early and mid-year positions.

Note: This match does not apply to Enrolled Nurses (ENs). ENs apply directly to hospitals.

How to Apply for Grad Positions outside the GNMP Match (PMCV)

If only there were a simple answer!

Hospitals that don't participate in the GNMP Match each have their own application processes — including different dates, required documents, and selection criteria. Make sure you check the individual job listings on Nursify carefully and follow each hospital’s application instructions.

How to Apply for Grad Positions inside the GNMP Match (PMCV)

To apply for a GNMP position, you need to submit TWO applications, plus complete a video interview.

1) Apply to PMCV (GNMP Match)

Create a profile on the GNMP Match website
Submit your career intentions statement
Nominate your referees
Complete a video interview
Choose your health service preferences

(I break down each of these steps in more detail below)

2) Apply Directly to the Health Services You Preferenced

Go to each hospital’s Nursify advertisement and/or website and follow their specific application instructions.
Submit your CV/resume directly to the Health Service.
Attach any additional documents they request — for example, some hospitals require a cover letter.
Each Health Service will rank candidates separately based on your direct application to them.

Important! To have a valid application, you must apply through both PMCV and directly to each Health Service you’ve preferenced.

3) Complete a Video Interview

All candidates are required to complete a video interview through PMCV.

In addition, some health services may invite you to attend a separate interview, particularly the larger metropolitan health services.

The PMCV online video interviews will run from Monday 7 July, 10am to Thursday 10 July, 5pm.

Don't Miss Out on Extra Tips!

Make sure you're following Nursify on Instagram and TikTok as I’m always sharing practical tips on how to shine in your grad interviews.

I’ve also written a separate blog post on Nursify’s ‘Career Resources’ page called "How to Ace Your Grad Interviews" — be sure to check it out!

GNMP Match - Key Dates

Match Opens: Monday 2 June 10am

Match Closes: Wednesday 2 July 5pm

Online Video Interviews: Monday 7 July, 10am – Thursday 10 July, 5pm

Referee Report Final Date: Sunday 13 July

Health Service Assessment Period: Monday 14 July – Friday 5 September 5pm

Final day to reorder preferences/withdraw: Friday 5 September 5pm

Results published: Wednesday 17 September from 10am

Acceptance Period: Wednesday 17 September 10am – Friday 19 September 10am

See dates on the official GNMP PMCV 2025/2026 Candidate Handbook

Eligibility for GNMP Match – Are You Good to Go?

To be eligible for the GNMP Match, you must:

Complete all your training requirements, receive your results, and be ready to achieve registration between 1 January 2025 and 30 June 2026
Meet all the requirements to be registered as a RN and/or RM with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia before commencing your proposed employment
Be an Australian/NZ citizen OR a temporary resident who holds a visa that grants the Right to Work in Australia

You're NOT eligible if:

Your training and qualifications were completed outside of Australia or New Zealand.
You completed your training before 1 January 2025.
You’ve previously participated in an RN/RM graduate program (*see below).
You do not hold or expect to hold a visa with the Right to Work in Australia (holiday visas are not eligible).
You’re studying to become an EN or EEN.You’re enrolled in a Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery* – Employment model.

*If you have completed an RN graduate program and are now studying for a Bachelor or PG in Midwifery, you can apply for the match, but only select Midwifery positions in your preferences

*2024 Candidates whose training completion was delayed to 2025, may apply.

What if you’re ineligible?

Don’t stress! Ineligible candidates can:

Apply directly to health services after the GNMP Match processes are complete
Explore non-graduate roles or private sector options

Special Consideration

In certain situations, candidates who don’t meet the standard eligibility criteria - such as those who have taken parental leave - may still be considered. If you believe you qualify for special consideration, you’ll need to seek approval from the PMCV Workforce Unit.

For further information or to request approval, contact them at allocations@pmcv.com.au.

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Candidates

The GNMP Match supports priority placement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students as part of Victoria’s Aboriginal Workforce Strategy. You can choose to identify in your application if you’d like health services to prioritise your application.

Non-Victorian residents

If you’re from New Zealand or Interstate (Border Community candidates exempt) you must upload a Statutory Declaration as part of your PMCV Application. This is mandatory as part of the PMCV application. If this is not provided by the Match close date, your application will be withdrawn.

Candidates with Visa Requirements

Temporary residents trained in Victoria, interstate, or New Zealand, as well as New Zealand permanent residents, must hold a visa that grants them the "Right to Work" in Australia. Candidates currently on student visas that will expire must indicate their intention to apply for a new visa that grants the ongoing Right to Work in Australia. Failure to provide valid supporting documentation to health services may lead to the withdrawal of a matched allocation.

English Language Skills Requirement

Candidates must meet the English Language Skills (ELS) standard required for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) before starting their graduate year. During the Match Application Process, candidates will need to confirm their ELS status.

Confirm that you meet the English language skills test requirements on the NMBA website.
PMCV recommends taking the necessary test as early as possible to avoid any delays in achieving registration.
PMCV’s application will only ask for your visa status. You are not required to complete the ELS assessment or upload evidence to PMCV before the Match, but you must provide evidence to the health service upon request.

Thinking Rural or Regional?

Don’t overlook rural and regional hospital opportunities!

They provide diverse experiences and broader exposure to various nursing fields! And while rural living might feel like a big change, many grads say that they adapt quickly and love the beautiful natural surroundings.

If this lifestyle sounds appealing, definitely consider listing rural or regional preferences when applying as it could give you a better shot at landing a grad position!

Health Service Preferences – Be Strategic!

One of the biggest decisions in the match process is deciding where you want to work. Each health service may have several programs, so you need to consider not only the health services you wish to preference but also the specific program you want to apply for.

You can preference:

Round 1: a minimum of one and a maximum of four preferences in the GNMP Match. To maximise your chances of receiving a match, make sure you put in all four!
Round 2: If unmatched and you are participating in Round 2 you then have up to eight preferences.

Make sure you only preference services you are genuinely prepared to work at. If you’re matched and decline the offer, you won’t get another one.

You can edit your preferences in your GNMP Match Application Portal any time up until applications close.

Once the Match Applications close, you can re-order or delete existing preferences, but you cannot replace them with new ones.

So choose wisely!

Referee Reports – Don’t Leave These Too Late!

Securing two clinical referee reports is an important part of your graduate application process, as health services rely on these reports to assess your suitability for the role. These reports play a key role in your application, so here’s everything you need to know to get this step right!

1) Ask Permission First!

Before you nominate anyone as a referee, make sure you ask for their permission! Not only is this the courteous thing to do, but it also ensures that they are available and willing to submit their reports on time.

2) What to Ask Your Referee

There are certain details you need to gather from your referees to ensure the process goes smoothly. Make sure to ask for their:

Title, First Name, and Last Name
Preferred email address
Current job title
Current health service where they work

Hot tip: Accuracy is key here! Incorrect information can lead to non-compliance from your referee, so double-check everything before submitting.

3) Who to Ask

You need to provide two clinical referees for your application via PMCV. Make sure your referees meet the following criteria:

Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Midwife (RM) with more than one year’s experience.
They should have worked closely with you during your student placements and can provide an informed opinion of your suitability for the role.
Accepted referee roles include:
- Nurse/Midwife Unit Manager
- Clinical Nurse/Midwife Consultants
- Clinical Nurse/Midwife Educator
- Clinical Facilitator
- Clinical Support Nurse/Midwife
- Clinical Preceptor (also known as a buddy or supervisor in some organisations)
If you’re unable to provide a second referee from a student placement, you can nominate one of the following:
- Nurse/Midwife Unit Manager
- Clinical Nurse/Midwife Educator
- Clinical Supervisor from your time as a RUSON (Registered Undergraduate Student of Nursing) or RUSOM (Registered Undergraduate Student of Midwifery).

Some health services may request additional referee reports beyond the two required by PMCV. These must be submitted directly to the health service and written by the referee.

Important: Non-clinical referees cannot complete the PMCV Clinical Referee Template, so avoid listing them in the PMCV candidate portal.

Helpful Tips for Your Referee Reports

Apply Early: This gives your referees plenty of time to complete and submit their reports.
Double-Check Details: Always confirm your referees' details (especially email addresses and job titles) before entering them into the system. Accuracy is crucial!
Follow Up: It's your responsibility to make sure the reports have been submitted. If not, follow up with your referee to remind them.

Career Intentions Statement

This statement is a free text area within your PMCV application. Most health services do not require a Cover Letter and will refer to your Career Intentions Statement instead.

Tips:

Keep It Concise: Stick to the 350-word limit—make every word count!
Be Authentic: Avoid using AI tools; assessors value your true voice and genuine reflection.
Introduce Yourself: Start by briefly introducing who you are and what motivates you.
Set Clear Goals: Share your specific goals for the next 12 months. What do you want to achieve, and how will you get there?
Highlight Long-Term Interests: Talk about any special interests or areas you're passionate about, and explain why they matter to you.
Reflect on Key Experiences: Share relevant experiences from your undergraduate studies, including any positive feedback or key moments that have shaped your growth during your undergraduate studies.

Withdrawing from the Match

If you need to withdraw from the GNMP Match, be sure to do so by the specified date listed under "Key Dates." Keep in mind that the Match results are binding, so if you’ve received an offer from a private provider or an interstate offer, you’ll need to withdraw. Once the withdrawal date has passed, your Match results will be final.

How Candidate Matching Works

Candidates are allocated to positions using a mathematical matching algorithm by PMCV. There are no priority groups, and all candidates are assessed equally based on the following criteria:

Candidate health service preferences
Health service’s ranking order of the candidate
Number of available positions

For more details on how the algorithm works, visit the GNMP Match website.

Your Match Results

You will be notified of the Match results via email and can access them through their GNMP Match account from 10am on the specified date. The outcomes will be:

Allocated – with the name of the health service you’ve been matched to.
Unsuccessful – you will be informed of the next steps by PMCV later that day.

What Happens if You’re Matched?

If you're successfully matched, congrats!

You’ll receive one allocation, and this will be your highest possible outcome from all your preferences. No further allocations or offers will be made from other preferences.

Once matched, you won’t be eligible to apply for Round 2, directly to other health services for remaining vacancies, or attempt to change positions, as the match outcomes are final and binding!

What Happens if You’re Unmatched?

Firstly.... don’t stress…

If you're unmatched after the Match, you’ll be automatically moved to Round 2. To be considered, you’ll need to update your preferences between Wednesday 24th September and Sunday 28th September. If you don’t update your preferences, you’ll be withdrawn from Round 2.

You may also be asked to upload your CV/Resume to PMCV and instructions will be provided at the time. Please note, Round 2 is only open to candidates transferred from Round 1, and new candidates cannot enter at this stage.

If you decide to withdraw from Round 2, let PMCV know as soon as possible. After Round 2, some candidates may still remain unmatched and health services may offer direct recruitment for any vacant positions in November and December.

How to Accept Your Allocation

Once you receive your allocation, you have 48 hours to accept it. If you miss this window, your allocation may be rescinded.

If you’re unable to accept due to reasons like a delayed placement, failed subject, or parental leave, reach out to your allocated health service as they might be able to offer a later start date.

If you’re unsure about how to respond, contact the health service directly for guidance.

Remember, it’s important to only preference positions you’re genuinely ready and willing to take. Don’t decline just because of a change of mind!

What to Do If Your Circumstances Change

Life happens, and sometimes things don’t go as planned! If you face any delays in training or can’t meet visa or English Language Skills requirements, you must let the health service know right away.

If your situation changes after the acceptance period closes, make sure to inform the health service and email PMCV at allocations@pmcv.com.au as soon as possible.

In extenuating circumstances, such as a serious family illness or personal health issues that require relocation, you may request to be released from your allocated health service. Be prepared to provide supporting evidence.

Onboarding and Contracts: What You Need to Know

Once you're allocated, the health service will handle your onboarding and employment contract. It's important to discuss any employment conditions directly with them before you receive your contract.

Each health service sets its own Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) requirements, so graduate nurses and midwives can be employed at various FTE levels.

Be aware that there may be barriers that could lead to your job offer being withdrawn, such as failing to complete the onboarding process or delays in providing your AHPRA registration or English Language Skills evidence within the required timeframe. If you anticipate any delays, make sure to notify your employer right away.

Getting Your AHPRA Registration

Before you can start working as a registered nurse or midwife, you must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) through AHPRA.

It’s a good idea to start your registration application 4-6 weeks before finishing your studies by visiting the AHPRA website. The process can take 2-8 weeks, so don’t wait—get started as soon as you’ve completed your course requirements. Make sure NMBA receives all your documentation for the registration to be processed.

And that’s a wrap!

I know it’s a lot of information to take in, but I hope this post helps simplify the process for you. Don’t forget to check out our other career resources to help set you on the path to success.

Best of luck in your graduate year – you’ve got this!

Victorian Students: Your Ultimate Guide to Graduate Applications

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